Seoulful Delights ... Auckland's Finest Korean Cuisine
Featuring everything from fried chicken and hotdogs to classic Korean BBQ, check out the list below for your comprehensive guide to Auckland’s favourite Korean restaurants
Words by: Nicole Mudgway
Photos by: Anna Briggs, Delena Nathuran & Supplied
Korean cuisine is one of those cuisines that can be so deliciously simple. Many dishes contain just a few ingredients, yet somehow the flavours harmonise to create tantalisingly sweet, satisfyingly salty and lip-smackingly good, spicy food.
We have all heard of Korean fried chicken and bibimbap, but some of the lesser known dishes are also worthy of a dabble. From tasty, inexpensive bites to Korean feasts set for a king, there’s not a Seoul in sight who wouldn’t kill for some of Auckland’s best Korean dishes. The list below is a compilation of some of our favourites, and we’re sure you will enjoy them too.
Hello Beasty
95-97 Customs Street West
Hello Beasty is funky, its location on the waterfront is hard to beat, and it serves contemporary Korean food (along with Japanese and Chinese-inspired dishes), earning itself somewhat of a cult following. Do try the Korean fried cauliflower, and save some room for dessert: the Kkwabaegi twisted donuts are a fan favourite.
Tokki
87 Kitchener Road, Milford
The journey over the bridge is well worth the trip for a meal at Jason Kim’s Tokki. You might recognise the name, Kim being the co-owner and former head chef at Gochu, with Tokki being his latest venture. Aiming to show that delicious Korean food is more than just a stereotype, Kim’s menu focuses on the subtlety and elegance of Korean flavours, seasonal produce and minimal ingredients (in the best kind of way).
Gochu
Commercial Bay, 21 Queen Street
Gochu might be located on the waterfront edge in Commercial Bay, but the good views aren’t the only drawcard. Serving modern-style Korean food, it didn't take Gochu long to become an icon in Auckland’s dining scene. Challenge yourself and try the cold noodles: served with egg yolk, kimchi, seaweed and pickled radish - they might not sound super enticing, but they’re not a menu staple without good reason.
Photo: Supplied
Red Pig
2 Kitchener Street, CBD
Its name says it all (well, almost) - Red Pig is a Korean BBQ specialising in, you guessed it, pork. Charcoal grills on every table mean that like a traditional Korean BBQ, customers can cook their meat themselves in a communal setting. The neck and jowl are both succulent cuts and if you’re feeling adventurous, have yourself some pig intestines. Pig isn’t the only thing on the menu though, and make sure you try the beef steak and some of the plentiful Korean sides.
Ockhee
171 Ponsonby Road
You might spot the Ockhee fans hailing about town, sporting their trendy merch in proud recognition of one of Ponsonby’s coolest restaurants. Specialising in Korean food, natural wines and soju cocktails, the dishes (and drinks) at Ockhee are incredibly more-ish, packed with colour and flavour. Vegetarians can also get excited - there are just as many well thought out plant-based options as there are meat.
Photo: Supplied
Simon and Lee
115 Saint Georges Bay Road, Parnell
With an all-day menu offering an introduction to Korean food in the most un-intimidating way, is Simon & Lee. It’s modern, well thought out and almighty delicious. There are classic dishes such as fried chicken, bibimbap and bulgogi, but you’ll find plenty of creativity and tasty twists on the menu too. We love the dolsot rice dishes (served in a sizzling stone pot) - the crispy bits at the bottom will definitely make you want more!
Tiger Burger
549 Great North Road, Grey Lynn
Tiger Burger fills the gap that we never knew we needed: a delicious meshing of Korean flavours inside a good ol’ burger. Think bibimbap slaw, kimchi and gochu mayo, paired with fillings like signature blend NZ grass fed beef, aged cheddar and, of course, some locally sourced lettuce. Many of the desserts are typical of what street vendors in Korea would sell - the rice flour donut (crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside) is nostalgically served with a side of condensed coconut milk - delicious!
Neat Auckland Places
Coco's Cantina
Coco’s has been around as long as anyone can remember - the kind of restaurant that has become so cemented in its neighbourhood.
Ebisu
Located on the waterfront in the city centre, Ebisu also lies at the heart of Japanese cuisine in Auckland.
The Kimchi Project
Offering Korean-inspired breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner with a menu full of delicious surprises.
KOL
KOL (pronounced ‘coal’ and inspired by the same word) is all about fire, food and cocktails. Cue: vibrant colours, bold flavours and interesting concepts and dishes.
Swings
Tastebuds at the ready, the Korean cuisine legends behind OCKHEE have opened up their new venture on Kitchener Street; Swings.